Speaks Out

Do you think states should have the right to distribute
medical marijuana? Ike Ega Fifth-year
Political science “I’m definitely against legalizing
it. Marijuana is not naturally grown ““ it’s a hybrid of
chemicals and engineering, and is more addictive now than ever. We
made it into a deadly animal. If we legalize it medically, then why
not legalize cocaine for AIDS and cancer sufferers? It’s the
old slippery slope theory.” Michael Liu
Second-year English “I don’t think so. What is
(marijuana) treating? Does it get rid of cancer? No. I don’t
see how getting stoned treats anything. It might relieve pain but
there are things called pain killers that you can take, already
approved by the FDA. There’s no need for anything
else.” Matt Walcott Campus visitor
“Yes, because there’s no proven fact that there’s
any harm done (from marijuana). It’s less harmful than
cigarettes, and alcohol is a lot worse for you. Besides, if the
state is distributing marijuana, then they’ll make sure that
everything is legal, and people who are suffering from chronic
diseases would much rather get it from a legal source because
it’s safer and they won’t get into trouble.”
Emily Richards Fourth-year Political science
“Marijuana has proven medicinal benefits, and should be
legally distributed. But if a state is conservative, then it will
have conservative regulations. In the case of California where
people are more liberal, I’m sure it’d be legal. But
each state is different, and if you give the power to the states to
decide, then they can look at their constituents and see what it is
that their people really need, instead of letting a conservative
Supreme Court decide for us.” Speaks Out compiled by Edward
Chaio, Daily Bruin Senior Staff. Photos by Jeff Antenore, Daily
Bruin Contributor.